Liberia: Police tear gas protesters in third day of protests in Monrovia August 28 /update 1

Event

Liberian police deployed tear gas to disperse thousands of gender-based violence protesters in Liberia during the third consecutive day of unrest in Monrovia on Friday, August 28. The demonstrators were attempting to gather in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present their petition calling on the government to declare rape a national emergency. The group held a march, beginning in the Sinkor neighborhood leading to Capital Hill, the seat of the Liberian government. They gathered in front of the foreign ministry, where President George Weah's office is housed, where they were tear-gassed. Smaller marches were also held in several counties, including Bong County, Nimba County, Grand Bassa County, and Maryland County to protest the rise in rape cases.

A heightened security presence, as well as associated disruptions to transportation, are to be expected around the demonstration site.

Advice

Those in Liberia are advised to monitor developments, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.